Mary G. Porter Traditional School
15311 Forest Grove Dr.
Woodbridge, VA 22191
Phone: 703-580-6501
Fax: 703-580-6646
Principal: Kaitlyn Engelmeier-Foor
Assistant Principal: Joe Wood
Date Opened: September 7, 2004
Number of Students: 685
Grade Levels: 1st - 8th
Number of Teachers: 26 Classroom, Art, PE, Music, Band, Strings, Library, Computer Tech., LD and LD Assistant, Autistic, Speech, and Reading
School Colors: Red, White, and Blue
Porter Traditional School’s SCHOOL PROFILE
Porter Traditional School's CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR 2025-26 (PDF)
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
At Porter, rigorous instruction is paired with meaningful opportunities for critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Teachers foster engaging classrooms where students are challenged to think deeply, participate in structured academic discourse, and apply their learning to authentic experiences. Through a strong focus on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts, students build a solid academic foundation while developing confidence as lifelong learners.
Beyond academics, Porter is committed to educating the whole child. Students participate in leadership opportunities, fine arts, extracurricular activities, and community service experiences that strengthen character and promote personal growth. Our Positive Classroom Conditions and schoolwide expectations create a safe, supportive environment where every student is known, challenged, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
The success of Mary G. Porter Traditional School is grounded in a partnership among students, families, and staff. Parents are active participants in their child's education and support the shared commitment to the values and expectations of the traditional program. As part of this partnership, both students and parents are expected to complete annual volunteer service hours, reinforcing the importance of service, collaboration, and investment in our school community. This shared commitment strengthens connections among families, staff, and students while fostering a culture of responsibility, pride, and belonging.
Together, we cultivate a school culture where excellence is expected, achievement is celebrated, and every student is empowered to become a responsible, compassionate, and engaged citizen.
At Mary G. Porter Traditional School, tradition inspires excellence, and every student is challenged to learn, lead, and succeed.
COMMUNITIES SERVED
Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dumfries, Triangle, Montclair, and Dale City.
PORTER STAR QUALITIES
The star qualities are 10 personal qualities that the Porter community practices throughout their day:
COURTESY, COMPASSION, RESPONSIBILITY, RESPECT, HONESTY, PERSEVERANCE, COOPERATION, PATIENCE, COURAGE, and SENSE OF HUMOR
PORTER CREED
Porter Traditional School is a safe, friendly,
and caring community where learning is active and exciting.
We, the Porter staff, are enthusiastic, professional, caring, and committed to working together to provide the best learning experience
for our school community.
I am a member of the Porter family.
I am an intelligent, responsible, and hard-working active learner.
At Porter, our learning never ends.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
We have academic and athletic clubs available to Porter students. Our clubs are run by our parent and teacher volunteers: Art Enrichment, Math 24, Basketball, Baseball, Golf, Volleyball, Cheer, Multi-Cultural, Robotics, Legos, Chess, Woodshop, Chorus, Computers, Life Skills, Spanish, Scrapbooking, Aviation, Tennis, and Cooking.
We also offer tutoring to Porter students.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENT & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Our parents are involved in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). They also fulfill volunteer hours here at the school, in classrooms, the cafeteria, the library, school events, etc.
WHAT MAKES OUR SCHOOL UNIQUE?
All children at Porter Traditional School will learn, and all children will be challenged. The foundation of this "School of Choice" includes rigorous academic instruction, strong performance expectations, high behavioral standards, good attendance, uniform expectations, and consistent parental involvement.
VISION STATEMENT
Porter Traditional students will become lifelong learners and responsible decision makers in the 21st century. They will be equipped and empowered to utilize critical thinking skills and multiple resources to be effective problem solvers. Porter students will be valuable assets and important citizens within their community.